Kiwi partner and Toyota sail into marine business

Spring is the time when lovers of water sports begin thinking of summer fun
ahead. This year, Toyota will be taking part in the fun. The automaker will
launch a line of motorboats and marine engines in Japan this spring.

This 28-foot cabin cruiser is Toyota's first offering in motorboats. A
newly assembled team of designers and engineers at Toyota designed and
developed the craft. A partner in New Zealand will produce the cabin
cruiser under contract, and Toyota will handle the marketing.

Leisure and recreation are a fast-growing market in Japan and a target of
Toyota's diversification strategy. In addition to marketing cabin cruisers,
the automaker will sell a pair of marine engines based on engines used in
its Hilux Surf (4Runner) and Celsior (Lexus LS 400). Toyota also is investing in marine
resorts in Japan.